Tascam 488 Question

[BCKRecording]

Fairly new to recording, I am purchasing a Tascam 488 Analog I have done some researching, but come up with a blank on some questions.
One of my questions is recording a track with lets say, drums and then recording the guitars into the drum tracks later, will this be possible with my equiptment? I just want to make a nice demo for my buddies and I, but also help some young talent in my city have affordable "studio time" also I know most places will offer you insights on what I will also "need" but it would be helpful from you guys to give me some pointers on other hardware.
Another is, why does it seem some people have totally went digital and and have looked down on Analog recording? Just because of the "fuzzyness". And if so, should I abandon starting a smalltime recording studio around the Tascam?

 

[brendandwyer]

Fairly new to recording, I am purchasing a Tascam 488 Analog I have done some researching, but come up with a blank on some questions.
One of my questions is recording a track with lets say, drums and then recording the guitars into the drum tracks later, will this be possible with my equiptment? I just want to make a nice demo for my buddies and I, but also help some young talent in my city have affordable "studio time" also I know most places will offer you insights on what I will also "need" but it would be helpful from you guys to give me some pointers on other hardware.
Another is, why does it seem some people have totally went digital and and have looked down on Analog recording? Just because of the "fuzzyness". And if so, should I abandon starting a smalltime recording studio around the Tascam?

To record guitars drums or whatever you'll need some microphones.

You will be able to record say drums first, them overdub guitars using the tascam.

Attempting to sell your services as a recordist would first necessitate you having the necessary skills to be worth the money.

If you feel that you have those skills, then go for it. However i would caution you that it is quite embarassing to sell studio time and attempt to learn how to record at the same time. I've recorded at studios with guys that buy some gear, immediately begin selling their time and churn out absolutely DREADFUL recordings.

Think of it this way: If you were just learning how to play guitar tomorrow, would you attempt to sell your services as session guitarist next week? Probably not. A rudimentary understanding of the technical aspects of recording will not be enough to deliver a good product to paying clients.

The recording studio is an instrument and must be learned the same way learning the guitar or piano.

Give yourself a couple years, a couple gear upgrades, MUCH more information and reading, and you may be in a position to charge for your recordings. Or you may not, and have found a hobby you can enjoy for the rest of your life.

Either way, don't rush it.

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo BCK:

When I was using the 488, and I had two of them, one still in my retirement vault, here is what I would do.

If you have a drum machine, you can record that directly into the 488, as well as a synth--thus, you don't need a mic to get the "rhythm tracks" down.

Once you have the chords and drums recorded, you have six tracks left to add bass, or horns [speaking from using a synth] and/or a VOCAL and for the vocal you would need a mic. [a mic preamp too with the 488 as its pres are not too swift.

When you have your tracks recorded, you then mix them, set levels, pan, perhaps add reverb to the vocal or any other track you choose. [You would need a reverb box of some type.]

As I recall, the 488 is not equipped to do a stereo track or the mix; thus, you would have to mix your tracks down to a DAT or cassette deck, or PC or some other venue.

Of course, you can bounce tracks; however, try not to do that. Once you bounce, like the bass line to drums, whatever you add to the bounced tracks goes to both bass and drums and this doesn't usually work too well. But, you can experiment and redo tracks.

Once you get the drums and chords down, redoing a botched track, like a horn solo is pretty easy as you just have to redo that track.

I liked my 488 boxes; however, they are limited in sound quality but you can do pretty good stuff by boosting the volume.

Cheers,
Green Hornet

 

[BCKRecording]

Thanks, guys youve been really helpful, this site is a really good source. Unfortunatly not to many places out there have too much info on the Tascam except for this site. Since im getting no owners manual with it im trying to understand what I can, and what I cant do with it. I definatly know I wont learn anything overnight, but having you guys here is pretty freak'n helpful.Thanks